Page 90 of Magical Melee

“What is it now?”

And then I saw it.

A figure barely visible to the naked eye stayed at the edge of the trees. The creature stood motionless, cloaked in shadows and blurred by the darkness. My heart raced as I squinted, trying to make out any details, but the figure was too far away.

The flash of light appeared again. This time, it circled the figure like a protective halo before vanishing into the woods.

Frank barked again, more urgently this time. I clutched the pillow tighter, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

What was that figure? And why did it feel like it was watching me?

I glanced at the fireplace, praying it wouldn’t use the chimney to enter.

With my heartrate beating wildly, I closed my eyes and started thinking of Nova. I needed her strength. And Stella. I needed her humor.

As if on cue, the door burst open, and Twobble and Karvey hurried inside before slamming it shut behind them.

If the lock didn’t keep them out, I wasn’t sure how it would keep anyone else out.

“What was that?” I asked.

Twobble’s face was unusually serious. “It’s as we feared. Something—or someone—is testing the boundaries.”

Karvey nodded, his wings rustling as he folded them tightly against his back. “The forces are holding, but they’re not invincible. Whatever’s out there, it’s probing for weaknesses, and until Stonewick gets back her full energy, we can’t let our guard down. This ward will do its best to protect, but we must stay vigilant.”

“Great,” I said, throwing my hands up. “So now I’m not just worried about Gideon but some glowing forest spirit, too?”

“It’s not a spirit,” Karvey said, his voice low. “My guess is a wood nymph summoned by Shadowick, probably Gideon himself.”

I let out a heavy sigh, sinking back onto the couch. “Fantastic. Just another night in Stonewick.”

And if I were being honest with myself, I kind of loved every second.

Twobble grinned, his usual mischief returning. “Welcome to the magical life, Maeve. Never a dull moment.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

A knock sounded at the kitchen door, and I nearly shot through the ceiling.

“Should I get that?” I asked Twobble.

He frowned like that was the most ridiculous question in the world.

“Why wouldn’t you?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because some glow-in-the-dark monster has been hanging out in my yard recently.”

“Ah, ah, ah?” He wiggled his finger. “Notyouryard. No one can claim what’s not theirs. The earth belongs to everyone.”

I scowled at Twobble, and he snickered.

“Fine. But what do we do about the knock out back?” I asked.

“Why answer it, of course.”

“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” I tried again, standing to make my way to the door.

But I didn’t have to make up my mind because Keegan, Nova, and Stella walked right into the kitchen.